Students from Badr University in Cairo’s School of Political Science and International Relations participated in the University of Central Florida (UCF) Conflict Transformation Young Leaders Program, held from May 17–24 in Belfast and Dublin.

The program provided students with the opportunity to learn firsthand from policymakers, former combatants, civic leaders, and victims who experienced The Troubles and contributed to the development of the Good Friday Agreement. Widely regarded as one of the most successful peacebuilding efforts of the past fifty years, the Irish peace process offered students a practical model for understanding conflict, reconciliation, and the role of dialogue in peacebuilding.

Program highlights included meetings with policymakers, civil society leaders, and activists who played central roles in the peace process; field tours of Belfast’s conflict sites accompanied by briefings on The Troubles and the Good Friday Agreement; a visit to the Irish Parliament (Oireachtas Éireann) and a meeting with Senator Mark Daly; an academic seminar at Queen’s University Belfast with Dr. Richard English; and dialogue sessions with former Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern and U.S. Consul General James Applegate.

In addition to the academic and policy-focused activities, students established peer-to-peer connections with young leaders from Northern Ireland, promoting cross-cultural understanding and building international networks.

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Conflict Transformation Young Leaders Program was created and led by UCF’s Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII), under the leadership of Executive Director David Dumke and Dr. Mirvate El Jerdi, Assistant Director and Special Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa. The program aims to empower the next generation of changemakers to lead with empathy and develop alternatives to division and violence.

From the Egyptian side, the event was organized by Badr University in Cairo’s Centre for Global Affairs (CGA), led by its Director, Major General Dr. Mohamed El Keshky, in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Salwa Thabet Mekky, Dean of the School of Political Science and International Relations.

The participating Badr University students were also featured by The Irish News for their work exploring dialogue, leadership, and conflict transformation through the lens of the Good Friday Agreement.

Badr University in Cairo extends its sincere appreciation to the University of Central Florida, UCF Global, and GPII for their support of this important initiative.